Week 7 - The Ministry of The Spirit

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

SVCC is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, and we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

The Law is Holy (Rm. 7:12)

The Law is powerless to curb human sin (Rm. 8:3)

The O.T. promised the Spirit being available to ALL people AND coming WITHIN (Ezek 36:26-27)

The Spirit sets one free from the law of sin and death (Rm. 7:10,14; 8:2)

WHY?…

TODAY: The Ministry of The Spirit - a greater glory of the new covenant, contrasted to the old.

Opening Scripture:

2 Corinthians 3:6–8 ESV

6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory?

“carved on letters on stone…could not gaze at Moses’ face”

“the ministry of the Spirit”

Context: Ex. 34:29-35

Three Descriptions for the Ministry of the Spirit

(3:7–11)

1. A ministry that is more glorious

2 Corinthians 3:7–8“7 Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8 will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory?”

The Radiant Smartphone Screen:

Imagine a smartphone screen that displays information carved in letters on its surface. Now, consider this as the Old Covenant ministry, symbolized by Moses, with a certain glory. If people were captivated by the brilliance of this screen, how much more captivating would the display be on a newer, more advanced smartphone, symbolizing the ministry of the Spirit? The advancement signifies the surpassing glory of the Spirit's ministry compared to the ministry of death.

2. A ministry of righteousness, not condemnation

2 Corinthians 3:9 “9 For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory.”

3. A ministry that endures and is not put aside

2 Corinthians 3:11 “11 For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.”

The glory that came through the Old Covenant ministry, symbolized by Moses, did not belong to it but only came through it.

Three Descriptions of One Ministering with The Spirit

1. They act with boldness and transparency

2 Corinthians 3:12–13 “12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end.”

Are we bold enough to show our face or do we hide like Moses?

The Unveiled Mask:

Consider wearing a mask to hide your face, similar to Moses putting a veil over his face. The question arises: Are we bold enough to remove the mask, revealing our true selves, just as those ministering with the Spirit act with boldness and transparency?

2. Through their preaching the Lord removes the veil preventing people from seeing his glory

2 Corinthians 3:14–16 “14 But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. 16 But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.”

The Lifting Fog:

Picture a dense fog hindering visibility, representing the veil that prevents people from seeing the glory of the Lord. Through the preaching of those ministering with the Spirit, imagine the fog lifting, allowing individuals to clearly see and experience the glory of God. This illustration emphasizes the transformative power of preaching in removing spiritual barriers.

3. They are transformed as they behold the glory of the Lord

2 Corinthians 3:17–18 “17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

“Behold” vs. “Reflecting”

Conclusion/Reflection:

The Courtroom of Grace:

Picture a courtroom where a ministry of condemnation is taking place, akin to the Old Covenant. The atmosphere is heavy, and judgment is pronounced. Now, contrast this with a courtroom of righteousness where the ministry of the Spirit reigns. In this setting, grace prevails, and individuals are declared righteous, far exceeding the glory of the condemnation-focused ministry. This imagery helps highlight the transformative power of a ministry centered on righteousness that comes by beholding the glory of the Lord and being transformed by it!

Talk It Over

In 2 Corinthians 3:7–8, the ministry of the Spirit is described as having even more glory than the ministry of death. How does this increased glory impact the way believers approach and engage in ministry today? What might be the practical implications of recognizing and experiencing the glory of the Spirit in our service?

According to 2 Corinthians 3:9, the ministry of righteousness far exceeds the glory of the ministry of condemnation. How does this understanding reshape our perception of God's message and the role of believers in sharing it? In what ways can a ministry of righteousness bring about positive transformation compared to a ministry centered on condemnation?

Reflecting on 2 Corinthians 3:11 and 3:17–18, the permanence of the ministry of the Spirit is emphasized. How does the enduring nature of this ministry impact the way believers approach their service and relationships? Additionally, how does the idea of being transformed into the image of the Lord, as mentioned in verses 17–18, inspire believers to pursue spiritual growth and freedom in their lives?